How to Reset My Furnace

Get your furnace working properly by resetting it.

A gas furnace that's on the fritz as a result of the pilot light being out means your home isn't getting the kind of heat it needs. Before you grab your phone and call a repairman, try resetting the furnace yourself. This do-it-yourself attempt at troubleshooting your furnace issues can ultimately save you the money it would have cost a repairman to do the same thing. There's no toolbox necessary, but you will need to know the location of the reset and power buttons on your furnace.

1

Check to see that it is the pilot light that is out. You may need to remove a cover panel to get a good look at the flame.

2

Turn down the room thermostat to its lowest setting.

3

Turn off the power to your furnace at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

4

Turn off the furnace's main gas supply using the handle on the main gas pipe that leads into the furnace. Leave the furnace's pilot gas supply line on.

5

Light a match. Hold it at the opening of the pilot flame jet that is inside the furnace to re-light the pilot flame.

6

Turn the power back on and then the main gas supply.

7

Locate the reset button. It is labeled, sometimes in red. Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.

8

Raise the thermostat to your desired room temperature. This will ignite the furnace.

Things You Will Need

Matches

Warning

If resetting the furnace doesn't work, shut the furnace off and call a professional.

About the Author

Megan Mostyn-Brown has been freelance writing since 2003. She has written for ELLE.com and GirlShop.com, writing quizzes, fashion tips and clothing descriptions. Mostyn-Brown has a Bachelor of Science in Speech in theater from Northwestern University.